Meanings of 肖像
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 肖像
Podcast: 肖像
Podcast: 肖像
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 肖像
肖像 (xiàoxiàng) vs 画像 (huàxiàng): use 肖像 for a formal portrait, whereas 画像 is more general and can refer to any image or illustration.
Imagine a 'showing' ('肖') of a 'face' ('像') at an art gallery. The 'show' highlights the unique characteristics of a person, making it memorable. Visualize a large canvas with vibrant colors that depict someone’s personality.
Common mistakes include using 肖像 too broadly; it specifically refers to visual representations, not abstract concepts. It is often used in formal contexts, such as art critiques or exhibitions. Pay attention to the tone, ensuring to pronounce it with a falling tone on both characters.
As an HSK Level 6 word, 肖像 connects with other descriptive terms related to art and representation. Focus on vocabulary related to visual arts and portraits, as these will enhance your ability to discuss similar topics in Mandarin.
肖像 is significant in Chinese culture, especially in the context of ancestor worship and familial respect. Portraits of ancestors are often displayed in homes to honor and remember them during festivals.
Learners sometimes confuse 肖像 with similar terms like 头像 (tóu xiàng), which means 'avatar' or 'profile picture.' Remember that 肖像 is specifically for portraits, while 头像 refers to smaller, often digital representations.
Pronunciation of 肖像
Drill the tone of 肖像 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Component Characters
Write 肖像
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 肖像 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 肖像
肖像 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
约翰逊先生的____画同样发人深省，而这样的画有很多。
Just as revealing are Mr Johnson'sportraits, of which there are dozens.
Example Sentences for 肖像 (3)
Cultural Notes for 肖像
肖像 is significant in Chinese culture, especially in the context of ancestor worship and familial respect. Portraits of ancestors are often displayed in homes to honor and remember them during festivals.
Frequently Asked Questions about 肖像
肖像 specifically refers to portraits, usually of people, while 画像 can refer to pictures or images more generally, including landscapes or abstract art.